Blue Lakes and Tasman Glacier View Walk

Overview

The Blue Lakes and Tasman Glacier View Walk offers stunning views of the Tasman Glacier and vibrant blue glacial lakes. This moderate hike takes you through a diverse landscape of ice, rock, and water.

This area showcases the dramatic beauty of New Zealand's Southern Alps and the impact of glacial activity.

Nature Walk Scenic View

Location

Address

Blue Lakes and Tasman Glacier walks, Canterbury, New Zealand

Neighborhood: Hooker Valley

Coordinates

-43.716700, 170.083300

Visiting Information

Opening Hours

monday 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM

tuesday 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM

wednesday 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM

thursday 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM

friday 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM

saturday 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM

sunday 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Admission

Adults

Free (donations appreciated)

Children

Free

Best Time to Visit

Overall Best Period

October-May

Best Time of Day

Early morning

fewer crowds and better light for photography

Duration Recommendations

Minimum

1 hour

Recommended

3-4 hours

Full Experience

full day

Seasonal Highlights

spring

mild, warm

• wildflowers
• waterfalls

summer

warm, sunny

• clear skies
• long daylight

autumn

cool, crisp

• fall colors
• clear views

winter

cold, snowy

• snow-covered landscapes
• glacial views

Know Before You Go

Essential Information

Book guided tours ahead
Check weather conditions
Bring appropriate gear

What to Bring

essential

ID water snacks

seasonal

warm layers rain gear

not allowed

drones without permit littering

Health & Safety

Physical Requirements: moderate

• altitude changes
• slippery rocks

Medical facilities: first aid available at visitor center

Payment Information

Accepted

cash, cards

Currency

New Zealand Dollar (NZD)

Typical Costs

entry Free

parking $5

guided tour $50

food $15

Dress Code

hiking attire, layered clothing, sturdy boots, hiking boots, inappropriate clothing

Booking Tips

• 1 month
• Department of Conservation website
• 48 hours
• guided tours

Amenities

Restrooms

Gift shop

Atm

Wifi

Lockers

Wheelchair rental

Stroller rental

On site restaurant

Cafe

Picnic areas

Outside food allowed

Digital Services

Mobile App

Aoraki/Mount Cook App

Size: 100 MB

Features: Map, Trail guide, Weather updates

Platforms: iOS, Android

WiFi Zones: Visitor center, Café

Charging Stations: Visitor center

How to Reach

From Airport

Nearest: Christchurch International Airport

Distance: 250 km

Travel Time: 3 hours

car rental

$50-100 3 hours

shuttle

$60 3.5 hours

From City Center

Distance: 300 km

bus

$30-50 4 hours

car rental

$50-100 4 hours

Local Insights

Cultural Context

Why Locals Love It: Unique glacial landscapes

Historical Significance: Important for Māori culture and history

Insider Tips

Free entry, but donations appreciated
Best food at the Mount Cook Village café

Local Recommendations

• Try local café in Twizel
• Ask for guide with glacier experience

Language Help

Useful Phrases

hello Kia ora

thank_you Kia ora

where_is Kei hea...?

how_much E hia te utu?

beautiful Wahie

ticket Tikiti

Guide Languages: English, Māori

Photography Guide

Best Photo Spots

Blue Lakes viewpoint

Best Time: Golden hour

Tips: Wide angle for landscapes

Result: Stunning glacial views

#glacier #nature

Photography Rules

allowed areas all outdoor areas

prohibited areas none

flash photography allowed

commercial photography permit needed

drone policy permit required

tripod policy allowed

selfie sticks allowed

Nearby Attractions

Hooker Valley Track

Distance: 2km

Walking: 30 min

Type: Hiking Trail

Sealy Tarns Track

Distance: 5km

Walking: 1 hour